tsumtingwong

My poor S4 has had more issues than all the rest of the cars I have owned put together. Latest is the TQ clutch stuck open code that is making me nervous. A new TQ from Audi dealership is $1083. Install at a local specialized shop is ~$1200... car currently has 109k on it and I am really wondering if its worth it. What am I likely to expect happening if I simply ignore it / keep clearing the code every couple of days ?

complacentsee

I think you can get a souped up TQ for less than that. Atleast thats what I have read, Prices may have jumped since then.


Edit:
http://vastperformance.com/shop/prod...roducts_id=128

tsumtingwong

hmm..thats actually more that the factory brand new one if you count the core charge. A used tranny is about that much and the labor quote is the same

AvantS4me

You will have worse gas mileage and higher tranny fluid temps on the
Highway. It doesn't really affect much around town. I bought a 517
Torque converter from WMS and had them install it. 30k stg3 miles
Later with no problems.

FBAnder

This. I ran with that code for months and since there is no lockup, the RPMs were generally 200 or so RPM higher in lockup gears (3-5 IIRC). I also had my TQ 517d by Sam and although I've only put about one hundred miles on it (S4 not DD), it feels great (also had Sam do valve body for me).

The only general concern, that I know of, with the lockup code is that since it is caused by a failed seal, the seal can leak ATF fluid and lose enough of that stuff and cya transmission. I never noticed any leaking ATF when I had the code nor did my installer mention anything about ATF leaking when he pulled the trans.

Bottom line: Most people run with it until they can afford to replace it or dump the car altogether.

tsumtingwong

well, thank you all for the info, guess I will try to sell my S4 before the tranny goes with it.

tsumtingwong

How much was the TC and labor ?

FBAnder

Mine was $1200 to pull and reinstall trans and $500 for the TC rebuild.

rakta *chchchanges

Another thing to consider: there may be nothing wrong with your torque converter.

I had this code and it turned out to be the N94 solenoid inside the tranny valve body. N94 is the solenoid that actuates the lock-up clutch in the torque converter.

The solenoid is $150 or so, IIRC. And it can be accessed easily from beneath the car, it's just inside the ATF pan of the trans, along the rear of the valve body. You'll see six solenoids in a row; N94 is fourth from the left.

The only difficulty of installing this thing is you'll have to drain the ATF and refill it. This is NOT a fun exercise. And if you DO do this, make sure you DO IT RIGHT. Find the online documentation for the ZF transmission and make sure you follow the filling procedure to the letter.

Anyway, $150 and a couple hours of labor might save you a lot of money.

JCByrd24

[QUOTE=rakta *chchchanges;23782071]Another thing to consider: there may be nothing wrong with your torque converter.QUOTE]

I belive the seal is a more common issue, but certainly this would be the better alternative. Mine TC was $300 remanufactured from a reputable tranny shop.